Robot alignment software increasing electronics manufacturing speed

ABB Robotics says its new High Speed Alignment software is the first to offer manufacturers the ability to increase the speed of 6-axis robots by 70 percent, and accuracy by 50 percent – significantly reducing time-to-market while increasing accuracy levels.

The PC-based software includes Visual Servoing technology using one or more cameras, combined with a computer vision system, to control the position of the robot relative to the work-piece. As the robot is moving, the cameras capture images continuously, while the computer vision system takes the information, cross checks and adjusts the robotic movements to deliver 0.01 to 0.02 millimetre precision.

Rui Liang, managing director for ABB’s robotics electronics business line, said: “Sales of smartphones, wearables and other high-tech devices are growing and advances in electronics are gathering pace. As devices become smaller and more powerful, new automation solutions are required to quickly and accurately place components, ensuring that production can keep pace with demand while maintaining the highest levels of product quality.”

ABB’s articulated 6-axis robots are highly flexible for handling complex tasks in tight spaces and can perform a variety of meticulous placement tasks. The High Speed Alignment software was developed to find the perfect balance between speed and accuracy.

Along with effortless commissioning and tuning, system integrators and manufacturers can benefit from a reduction in deployment time – down from an entire shift of eight to just one hour. Minimal programming experience is required, as the software is easy-to-use and has an intuitive user interface. Additionally, the software is compatible with a wide range of cameras, and IRC5 and OmniCore robot controllers, allowing system integrators to adapt existing installations.

“Our latest innovation to the RobotWare family, the High Speed Alignment software enables electronic manufacturers to increase productivity by 70% while maintaining 0.01-0.02 mm accuracy levels. This is a breakthrough technology for the electronics assembly market,” concludes Liang.